The Ultra Low Emission Zone and Electric Vehicles

With the government’s aim of making all new heavy goods vehicles in the UK zero-emission by 2040, in addition to the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the UK is well on its way to becoming net-zero carbon by 2050. But with particular areas in England struggling with air pollution caused by petrol and diesel cars, most notably London. ULEZ, or the Ultra Low Emission Zone, was created to tackle this growing issue.

But what is ULEZ? How much is the daily fee? Which areas does it cover?

Don’t worry! To understand the ins and outs of the ULEZ, keep reading this blog. We will be taking you through fees, eligible cars, and the discounts available.

What is the ULEZ?

Introduced by London mayor Sadiq Khan in 2019, ULEZ, or Ultra Low Emission Zone, is an area where when entered, if you don’t meet minimum emissions standards when travelling through, you will have to pay the daily charge. The zone improves the air quality for Londoners and encourages the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The charges only need to be paid if you drive your vehicle within the zone and do not meet the standards.

How much is the ULEZ?

For cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes), you will have to pay a daily fee of £12.50 each time you enter the ULEZ.

Fully electric vehicles do not have to pay the fee when entering the ULEZ zone.

When does the ULEZ run?

ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day except for Christmas Day. Charging runs from midnight to midnight.

How do I pay the ULEZ charge?

You can pay online on the Transport for London website or download the Transport for London Pay to Drive app. With this app, you can set up Auto Pay, where Transport for London will automatically bill you every time you enter the ULEZ if your vehicle doesn’t meet the standards. There is a £10 registration charge for every vehicle you add to Auto Pay each year.

Which areas are included?

The ULEZ area expanded on 25th October 2021 to include the area inside the North Circular and South Circular Roads, such as:

Barnet, Brent, Camden, City of Westminster, Ealing, Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, Chelsea, Greenwich, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Enfield, Haringey, Islington, Hounslow, Richmond, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark.

Before this change, the ULEZ focused solely on the centre of London.

To view a map of the ULEZ area, please click here.

How will I know when I enter the ULEZ?

There are various signs beforehand (such as on major roads) and on approach to the ULEZ boundary (directional signs which show routes that take you into the ULEZ and those that don’t). There are also signs distinctly telling you when you enter the ULEZ and signs reminding you that cameras are operating. These signs will most likely be green or blue, such as the below image.

Which cars fit the minimum emission standards?

To check if your vehicle meets the relevant emission and safety standards, please click here. You will be able to enter your number plate on the Transport for London website, where they will be able to give you a definitive answer as to whether or not your vehicle qualifies.

Typically, petrol cars registered after 2005 will meet the ULEZ standards and, therefore, won’t have to pay the £12.50 fee. On the other hand, diesel cars will most likely be exempt from the fee if they were built after September 2015.

All fully electric vehicles meet the emission standards and therefore do not have to pay the fee.

What are the current emissions standards?

• Euro 3 (NOx) for motorcycles and similar vehicles (mopeds etc.)
• Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans
• Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and other specialist vehicles

Can I apply for a discount?

Historic vehicles (at least 40 years old), London-licensed taxis and minibuses used for community transport (i.e. if you are a charity or school) are eligible for discounts on the ULEZ. For more information on how to apply, click here.

Is the ULEZ the same as the Congestion Charge? 

No, the ULEZ is separate from the Congestion Charge in London, which means that if your vehicle does not meet the requirements set, you will have to pay both the ULEZ fee and the £15 Congestion Charge fee (previously £11.50, but raised last year in 2021). The Congestion Charge runs from 7 am until 10 pm, every day except Christmas Day. If you have a fully electric vehicle, you will not have to pay the ULEZ fee or the Congestion Charge.

The ULEZ is also different to Clean Air Zones.

What happens if I do not pay the fee? 

If you fail to pay this fee, there will be a penalty charge of £160 for the vehicle’s registered keeper; however, this can be reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days. Whilst there are no barriers or toll booths, there are currently approximately 700 cameras operating in the area that will check your license plate, so it’s not worth taking the risk of not paying.

Are there any other options for travel?

If you do not want to drive through the UZEV zone, you can walk, cycle, or use public transport. You will not have to pay the £12.50 fee by choosing alternative travel.

Or you can go electric! As they emit no CO2, fully electric vehicles can enter the Ultra Low Emission Zone without having to pay the fee.

Where does the money go from the ULEZ?

The money raised from the ULEZ fee feeds back into improving London’s transport infrastructure.

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